Let's start at the bottom of the ladder: Tip #1
Ever been to themexp.org* and tried downloading some themes, they usually come as installable (binaries or .exe) files. Once you tried installing the themes or any other eye candy several (3-4) extra software's get installed along with the theme or logon or boot screen, these are spywares. The easiest way to remove them is to simply uninstall them. In Windows XP, you can do that, by clicking on start going to control panel, double click on Add or Remove Programs. Well remove anything that you don't need especially programs that you don't remember installing or program's that you don't recognize. If you see any of the programs with the words like "words search", "shopping" or "adware", uninstall them right away. Often they are promoted as great deals, web searches, etc;
Move up a few steps: Tip #2
Alright moving along, check if you have an anti-spyware installed, if you do, get one more, if you don't, get two. There are plenty of them available, some are absolutely free, the rest do cost money, but are not expensive. I would suggest getting a free anti-spyware, along with one for which you did have to pay (roughly anywhere from $12 to $300). At home I use AVG home edition anti-virus and anti-spyware (free edition) and Spy Sweeper. You don't have to be an expert techie, to use these anti-spywares. Before you buy, evaluate some of them, read some reviews, it goes a long way, trust me on this, some spyware just don't go away. Apart from using an anti-spyware, you can remove spywares manually. There are a plethora of web sites available that list the various spywares/adwares/malwares and their variants, where to find them within your PC. These websites also list the steps to be taken and software (if any) required for their effective removal. To do this you must have in-dept knowledge about your computer system. You will have to root around in your system's registry (Linux / Mac Users excuse). Also a single spyware has too many variants and almost always there are different removal methods applicable and Identification of every single one of them is painfully slow. So manual removal of spyware is a big No-No! It can get very daunting a task, even for the techies, to actually follow instructions to remove again and again when an anti-spyware is almost as effective. So I would definitely suggest not one but two (if you have the resources) good spywares to keep you system clean and protect it from further attacks. Techie's don't have to get bogged down, don't expect too much of your spyware, usually an excellent spyware is 96% effective in detecting and removing infections completely. Some spyware, will draw your techie powers out, as it may render your anti-spyware ineffective or it cannot be detected yet by your anti-spyware. If you are newbie or a novice, don't worry there are stand alone applications from Sunbelt softwares, the makers of CounterSpy, and the likes where you can download these from and they are very effective in removing the spyware.
* If you haven't been to themexp, caution is adviced while installing thier application. Please scan after you install the eye candy.
